The Suresnes Congress in 1974 marked a turning point in the history of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). Against all expectations, Felipe González was elected new secretary general of the party, launching a political project shared with his university friend, Alfonso Guerra. Both, originally from Andalusia, brought with them a reformist vision that found an echo in a Spain thirsty for change.
However, by 1978, González began to move away from more traditional ideas. In a statement defining his leadership, he said: “One must be a socialist before one is a Marxist.” » This new direction of the party reached its peak in 1982, when the PSOE won the polls and González and Guerra celebrated the victory together from the window of the Palace Hotel, with González as president and Guerra as vice-president.
Despite this shared triumph, the differences between the two begin to become evident. The election of ministers like Carlos Solchaga and Miguel Boyer, close to the liberal wing of the party and associated with the so-called “ball culture,” tested relations between the two leaders. Tensions came to a head with the so-called “War Affair”, when Alfonso’s brother was accused of influence peddling. Guerra resigned as vice president, while remaining in the party, gradually moving away from the political front.
After years of estrangement, the two appeared together again last year at a public event, witnessing a reconciliation that many considered impossible. This Thursday, Felipe González and Alfonso Guerra recognize it, even if they have had friction because of political differences.
